The Education Rights Campaign (ERC) has firmly denounced the proposed tuition increase by the administration of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State. The group expressed strong disapproval of the planned hike and is urging the university community to take action.
The students’ union at OAU recently raised concerns after the university management revealed plans to raise school fees and other charges by 50 percent, with accommodation fees set to increase by a staggering 100 percent. In response to this alarming announcement, the ERC commended the student union leadership for rejecting the hike and encouraged them to organize mass protests.
In a statement released on Wednesday by Deputy National Coordinator Isaac Ogunjinmi, the ERC criticized the fee increase as a reflection of the institution’s disregard for the severe economic challenges faced by many Nigerians. Ogunjinmi remarked, “We in the ERC reject this increment given the monumental economic hardship imposed on the majority of citizens by the Tinubu administration’s anti-poor neo-liberal policies.”
He pointed out that students are still grappling with the financial strain from a previous significant increase in tuition fees that occurred last year. The ERC’s statement highlighted that there has been no noticeable improvement in learning conditions or overall student welfare since the last fee hike.
The ERC praised the determination of the student union to “vehemently oppose this drastic and rash increment in fees” and to advocate for a complete reversal of this decision. Ogunjinmi noted that to effectively challenge the planned increase, the student union leadership must prepare to mobilize and organize a series of mass actions.
He outlined potential actions, including regular Congresses for collective decision-making, mass symposia, peaceful protests, and lecture boycotts. Additionally, Ogunjinmi suggested launching a media campaign to garner public support and seek solidarity from staff unions at the university.
The ERC pledged its support, stating, “We are committed to joining the union and students in this struggle.” Ogunjinmi urged student leaders and their peers across the nation to participate in the growing movement against the government’s anti-poor policies.
He emphasized that President Tinubu’s administration’s measures have adversely impacted living standards and escalated university operational costs. Students should not bear the burden of the government’s failure to sufficiently fund public education, he insisted.
According to Ogunjinmi, “It is the nation’s responsibility to ensure public education is accessible to everyone, regardless of their economic background.” He highlighted that issues such as poor funding, corruption, and mismanagement also plague universities.
The ERC has consistently advocated for democratic governance in educational institutions, promoting the involvement of elected representatives from staff unions and students to ensure the responsible use of funds and resources.
Ultimately, Ogunjinmi believes that Nigeria possesses the means to provide free education at all levels alongside essential services like healthcare and clean water. He argued that the underlying issues stem from capitalism and corruption, which enable a small elite to exploit the nation’s resources at the expense of the majority.
“In addition to our campaign for adequate funding of public education, we support the establishment of a mass movement to dismantle capitalism and create a socialist Nigeria,” he concluded.
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